Alchemist Copenhagen

A former shipyard turned culinary stage

Alchemist occupies an enormous industrial building on Refshaleøen, a once‑gritty shipyard peninsula transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most creative corners. Step inside the tall doors and the raw concrete shell gives way to a carefully choreographed world of dim light, velvet darkness and flickers of colour. The sense of entering a theatre rather than a dining room is deliberate: this is a place built for spectacle as much as for food. The heart of the space is a towering dome that functions like an indoor planetarium. Overhead, projections shift from drifting jellyfish to star‑strewn galaxies or images that allude to environmental and social themes. The dining area beneath is relatively sparse, letting the scale of the dome and the constantly changing ceiling set the mood for each act of the evening.

Holistic cuisine and a night in five acts

Chef Rasmus Munk describes his approach as “holistic cuisine,” where each impression combines flavour, story, visual design and sometimes pointed commentary. A full experience often unfolds in several acts, each in a different room: an opening lounge to disarm you with a playful bite and a drink, the dome for a cascade of courses, side installations that might highlight food waste or animal welfare, and a final, more intimate space for desserts and reflection. Expect a long procession of tiny, highly detailed servings rather than a conventional tasting menu. There might be a perfectly spherical morsel filled with smoke that changes its flavour mid‑bite, a reimagined omelette hiding beneath a gossamer membrane of egg yolk, or a delicate tart built around pristine Nordic shellfish. Many dishes arrive with custom serving pieces, soundscapes or lighting cues that underscore the idea behind the bite.

Art, provocation and play on the plate

Alchemist’s dishes often reference topics far beyond the kitchen: battery farming, plastic pollution, hunger, insects as food of the future. A deceptively whimsical presentation may carry a serious message, expressed through ingredients chosen for their symbolism as well as their taste. It is part art installation, part dinner, inviting you to consider where food comes from and how it shapes the world. At the same time, there is an undercurrent of pure hedonism. Rich stocks, intense reductions, carefully aged meats and prime seafood anchor the experience in pleasure, so that even the most conceptual serving still delivers clear flavours and textures. After hours of surprise and challenge, the closing sweets tend to land on a more comforting note, easing you gently back to reality.

Service as choreography

With dozens of courses and only a small number of guests, service at Alchemist is orchestrated with near‑theatrical precision. Teams glide in and out of the dome in near silence, timing each appearance to avoid breaking dramatic moments in the projections overhead. Chefs often step out of the kitchen to present specific dishes, explaining a technique, a childhood memory or the idea behind what you are about to eat. Despite the scale and ambition, the tone stays relaxed rather than formal. Guests are encouraged to ask questions, handle unusual serving pieces and engage with the installations. Over several hours, you are gently guided through spaces, seated and reseated, and given time to pause, watch and absorb between clusters of courses.

Practicalities and what to expect

An evening at Alchemist is a major commitment in both time and budget. The experience can last five to six hours or more, with upwards of 40 individual impressions flowing from canapés to desserts. Reservations typically open far in advance and are essential. Dress leans towards smart, but the emphasis is on comfort for a long, seated experience rather than strict formality. Portions are small but numerous, and pairings can be alcoholic or non‑alcoholic, often as imaginative as the food. Given the complexity, dietary adaptations usually need to be communicated well ahead of time. More than a quick meal, this is a night devoted entirely to one restaurant, in a part of Copenhagen that has made experimentation and creativity its calling card.